Sense and Sensibility: Spiritual Life

We have been using Jane Austen's contrasting images of Sense and Sensibility to gain a better understanding of the first phrase in Titus 2:5, to be sensible (self-controlled, discreet), and to see how we can live this out in various areas of life.

How can we display this quality in our spiritual lives? It may seem like it doesn’t fit, or it would stifle our worship or fervency, but that’s not what God’s word says.

In 1 Corinthians 12-14 Paul addresses some problems in the Corinthian church regarding spiritual gifts and worship. His concluding statement in 14:40 says, But let all things be done properly and in an orderly manner.

In 1 Timothy 4:7 we are instructed: Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness

A woman of sense would be consistent in her practice of the spiritual disciplines, knowing how vital they are to her life. She has a plan for her Bible reading, perhaps journals or keeps a prayer notebook. Her church attendance is regular, and committed. She values the teaching of God’s Word and listens to it attentively. She shows a pattern of spiritual growth in her life.

A woman of sensibility at times will demonstrate a real intensity in her spiritual life. At other times, when she is discouraged or caught up with other pursuits, her walk with the Lord seems empty and shallow. At times like this, she might withdraw from any spiritual activities, until she feels close to the Lord again. Then she will read her Bible and pray, but perhaps with no plan or pattern. Her church attendance and involvement is erratic. She responds to music and teaching with great emotion, but often fails to put what she’s heard into practice.

James 4:8 says, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

We must pursue our spiritual lives with discipline and consistency, when we feel particularly close to God, and even when we don’t.

This is really the key to displaying this quality in every area of life.

Carolyn Mahaney says, "One behavior, if diligently pursued, will promote self-control (NIV transation) in every area of your life…It is the daily practice of meeting with God…When we meet with God, we can find peace in the midst of trying circumstances, an eternal perspective where we have lost sight of the truth, and power to fight our battle against sin."

Being sensible, consistently demonstrating good judgment and appropriate restraint, is not a personality trait. It is a command from God for us, that we might act in a manner fitting for sound doctrine, and thus bring glory and honor to His Name.

But our personalities might more naturally be like one of the two sisters in Austen's story. So if you naturally tend to be the woman of sense, make sure you are acting not in your own strength, but in the power of the Spirit. Reach out to others with humility and compassion. If you tend to be more emotional and sensitive, pray that God would enable you to be obedient to Him. Seek to let truth lead you rather than your feelings.

It is my prayer that this quality, which is so important to God, would be a growing reality in all our lives.